Both experienced
and new starters enjoy this
lesson as experienced dancers get the opportunity to support those that
are new, they get to warm up and be better prepared for dancing later
in the evening, often these people are closest to the club and support
the whole social scene and go out of there way to make new people feel
confident, and of course as any experienced dancer will tell you, you
never , never, stop learning so always gain something from the basic and
fundamentals class.
West Coast
Swing is the most advanced form of Swing Dancing because of it’s
true 'lead-follow' skills necessary to interweave an expression of the
music. It’s an intricate and intimate relationship between the partners
and the musical phrasing of the song.
It’s the only partner dance on the face of the Earth that allows
the female the freedom to stylize her movements within the framework of
the male lead. This 'freedom' is attractive to many female dancers from
all dance disciplines including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and cheer
who are looking to 'partner dance' within a milieu of relative independence.
The 'feel' of West Coast Swing can be seen by the use of 'compression'
and 'leverage,' an obvious stretching, rubberband-like, in-and-out movement
that creates the energy for multiple spins as well as the texture of sensuous
passes. Although the spectator might catch a glimpse of this 'feel' and
be totally mesmerized by it, only the participants can fully appreciate
the combined effort of their mutual creation. And that’s the addictive
elixir that grabs the West Coast Swing dancer.
Because of the lead-follow skills necessary for West Coast Swing it is
a true social dance in that each partner is a new experience and most
dancers enjoy many different partners throughout a night of dancing. West
Coast Swing involves the use of the entire body including body rolls,
head whips, isolations, and arm and hand movements. There are many intricate
foot patterns which are skillfully lead and received by sensitive followers
as well as those done individually and independently by each partner according
to their musical interpretive expression.
But more so than any other dance, movements are created in relation to
the sounds of the music, be they melodic, rhythmic, or vocal. The leader
feels the mathematical constraints of good music composition, employs
the science of physiology (leading technique), and creates for the follower
a playing field with which she can manage her artistry of movement (following
technique). In West Coast Swing, more so than in any other dance, there
is a definite feeling of union, merging, becoming one with the partner
and the music, all done within the immediate, improvisational, moment.
Once mastered, which does require commitment on the part of the participant,
the rewards are tremendous.
You can see 1000's of video,s of west coast swing on www.youtube.com
All adults are welcome, regardless of age or ability. No Partner Required.
INTERESTED, follow the links for more information regarding
locations, events, frequently asked questions and how to contact us. |
